Dutch Eredivisie powerhouse Ajax Amsterdam are still interested in signing talented Nigerian midfielder Aliyu Mahmoud, according to his minders.

It would be recalled that the former European champions observed Mahmoud at close quarters last year but a deal could not go through due to the player's age and his inability to obtain a work permit.

According to Mutunchi Football Academy boss Auwal Mutunchi, the player is currently schooling in South Africa and he's keeping up his fitness by playing for the school team.

''Mahmoud is schooling in South Africa, he is not up to eighteen years,'' Auwal Mutunchi told allnigeriasoccer.com.

''It remains six to seven months before he clocks 18, Ajax said they will give him a contract so we will travel for talks.

''He impressed the club (Ajax) during trials. He is playing well in South Africa for the school.''

Aliyu Mahmoud, who has been likened to Arsenal and Germany star Mesut Ozil, played for the junior team of Mutunchi Football Academy before his trials with Ajax Amsterdam.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : twitter.com/afcadailyyouth